Other conditions decisions — 2018

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant did not provide evidence of a pending claim for compensation or pension benefits at the time of his death. The appeal is denied as there are no legal grounds to award burial benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient information about the appellant's ROTC service at Vanderbilt University, specifically regarding whether she had any Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) or was ordered to duty for training under Chapter 103 of Title 10 U.S.C.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's current jaw condition is related to his in-service surgery and diagnosis. The Veteran needs to provide VA treatment records, identify any additional pertinent evidence, and undergo a new medical examination.

The Veteran's ADHD did not prevent him from beginning or resuming a program of education as of April 2010, and his request for an extension was untimely.

The Veteran's death was not covered for burial benefits as the appellant, who is the director of the funeral home where the Veteran's remains were held, does not qualify under VA regulations. The claim must be denied.

The Board has remanded the case to gather a full accounting of any funeral and burial expenses incurred by the appellant, as she is seeking reimbursement for these costs from the Veteran's PFOP account.

The Board denied the appeal as the service member's character of discharge was under dishonorable conditions, which constitutes a bar to his surviving spouse's eligibility for VA death benefits.

The Board denied the reopening of the claim because no new and material evidence was submitted, and the character of discharge remains a bar to VA benefits.

The VA denied the claim for a Government-furnished headstone or marker because the decedent's grave is not unmarked, as it includes a group marker with his name and dates of birth and death.

The reduction of the disability rating for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from 100 percent to noncompensable was not proper, and the 100 percent evaluation is restored as of December 1, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected schizoaffective disorder and right radial fracture do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear service period and inadequate examination for throat cancer.

The Appellant cannot be recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA purposes due to their divorce prior to his death.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to be recognized as a child of the deceased Veteran for VA death pension benefits due to lack of evidence showing the appellant was legally adopted, step-adopted, or biologically related to the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical records.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for pruritus ani and rash/lesions was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7332 (pruritus ani) or Diagnostic Code 7806 (rash/lesions).

The Veteran was treated at a private hospital for symptoms of fever, shortness of breath, and joint pain. The treatment is granted as the delay in seeking medical attention would have been hazardous to his health, and he met all other criteria under 38 U.S.C. § 1725.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right ankle disorders, specifically his shin splints, old fracture, and lateral collateral ligament sprain. The case is being sent back for additional development including obtaining updated treatment records and an addendum opinion from a different examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to outstanding records and further development of exposure claims. The skin disability claim is also being remanded for a new examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for scleroderma, finding no nexus between his current condition and active service or herbicide exposure.